Tag Archives: title page

We often talk about the meaty parts of scrapbooking here, from visual storytelling to journaling prompts and everything in between. Today, instead of what comes in between, let’s discuss the very beginning, or at least front, of a complete scrapbook album—the title page!

The title page of an album is that very first page you see when you flip open the cover. It is there to provide a quick visual summary of the stories and memories beautifully documented inside. Regardless of your scrapping style, the title page is something that we all have in common. Without it, our albums look and feel incomplete.

So you know you need a title page for your album. How do you start? The very first, and probably biggest, “secret” to a good title page, is to create it last. After the inside of your album is done, then is when you should begin to think about designing your title page. There are several reasons for this. Creating the title page last allows you to pull from visual elements and themes illustrated throughout your pages and layouts, including topics, color schemes, and designs.

Waiting until the end to make your title page will also allow you flexibility in your story telling. If you make a title page first, especially one that includes photos and journaling, you run the risk of not highlighting something that you add in later.

A title page can also work as a sort of “table of contents.” If you choose to go this route, use some of your extra photos to map out what someone can expect to see as they flip through your album. You can arrange them in order, number them, and add short blurbs, like in our example, or create a collage without any words.

Or you can create a title page without any photos. Add a title and journaling that corresponds with the photos you include on the following pages. If the “table of contents” approach isn’t your thing, a quick name referencing the topic of your album, like “Disney Vacation 2018” or “Grandma Gigi” or “My Favorite Things,” can also do the trick.

As you’re designing your title page, keep in mind that it is an extension of your album, your memories, and you. However you choose to make it, match the storytelling style you use inside, and most importantly make it your own.

The only thing more alluring than a new Close To My Heart canvas-coated album is a BOGO deal. Put them together, and what do you have? A recipe for amazing that just so happens to be available to you during the month of February!

To help you fill up these gorgeous albums, we’ll be sharing ideas throughout the month for the kinds of album-worthy artwork we swoon over.

Today we’ve got an idea to take your albums up a notch: album title pages! It’s a great way to turn what would otherwise be a scattered compilation of layouts into a finished and cohesive album.

What can a title page do for you? Your album’s title page is like the opening scene for the slideshow of your life, so you want to make sure it sends the right message.

Keep the following three things in mind and you’ll be able to create a title page that’s sure to leave an impression:

1) A clear focal point. One good photo surrounded by plenty of negative space will do the trick.

2) A defined title. Your title is a succinct description at the beginning of your album to make it easy for your audience to recognize what the album is about.

3) Connection. A title page can jive with the layouts of an album while still making a statement of its own. Aim for coordination, not a perfect match. You might choose to make your title page first and then borrow a few elements to develop other layouts in the album. Or, you might do the opposite and make your title page last, pulling elements from some of your layouts. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to make it your own!

On this, our first two-page spread of the album, you see border stitching that is a variant of the hand-drawn stitching on our title page. What a great way to pull the two pieces together.

We love title pages! What creative techniques have you used to create yours?

Share this:

Jeanette Lynton

Meet Jeanette Lynton—wife, mother, artist, and Founder & CEO of one of the world’s leading companies in the papercrafting industry. This blog is dedicated to all who share her love of creativity. Visit often, share your stories, and become family!

Help Operation Smile™

When you purchase the My Acrylix® Be Yourself stamp set, we donate $7 USD to Operation Smile™. Learn more